C.B.H.F.
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Class of 1985
Allen T. Lambert was born in 1911, and is remembered primarily for his outstanding contributions to the Toronto-Dominion Bank and his immense influence on the Canadian financial services sector.
Lambert joined the Bank of Toronto in 1927 at just fifteen years of age, working as an $8-per-week junior clerk at a branch in Victoria, British Columbia. His talent and progressive leadership allowed Lambert to rise steadily in the ranks, and in 1940 he was moved east to become the accountant at the Brockville, Ontario branch. Three years later his career was interrupted by a two year stint in the armed forces, at the end of which he retired as a Navy Lieutenant.
Lambert was made superintendent of the Toronto head office in 1953. As superintendent, he was an integral figure in the merger of The Dominion Bank and the Bank of Toronto in 1955. His performance was rewarded by his appointment to general manager; at the age of 47, Lambert was the youngest general manager of any Canadian bank at that time.
In 1960, Lambert became President of the Toronto-Dominion Bank. He led the bank into international expansion, opening foreign branches in Singapore, Tokyo and South America. Lambert also viewed the construction of the Toronto Dominion Centre as a great source of personal pride – designed by world-renowned architect Mies van der Rohe, the TD Centre revolutionized the Toronto landscape.
Lambert devoted over fifty years of his life to the Bank. Retiring as CEO in 1977 and as Chairman in 1978, he continued to act as an advisor for many years and was also active outside of the Bank. He was a contributing member to the Board of Directors of several high-standing Canadian companies, and served as President of the International Monetary Conference.
Allen Lambert was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1976, and received numerous honorary degrees from several Canadian institutions. He passed away in 2002, at the age of 90.